Jannik Sinner wasted no time getting his Australian Open campaign underway, finishing Hugo Gaston in just over an hour.
The match at Rod Laver Arena ended early when Gaston retired while trailing 6-2, 6-1. Sinner, a two-time champion here, will now face James Duckworth as he targets a fifth Grand Slam title.
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Although Sinner was happy with the way he played against Gaston, he pointed out that there was still a part of his game that needed to be worked on.
Jannik Sinner says his department still has a way to go
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Speaking to reporters after his victory, Sinner was asked about the adjustments he had made to his serve since the US Open.
He said: “Yeah, I mean, it’s not just the US Open. I felt like serving was and still is a shot where I need to improve.
“This is the only option we have where we can do everything ourselves. There are a lot of things to improve.
“We changed the movement a little, the rhythm of the serve. Before, it was a little too fast at the beginning. Now it’s a little slower.
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“And the draw was usually a little more forward, a little to the right. Now it’s a little more back and overhead.
“Sometimes I still lose control. It’s not a shot I feel very safe with. But at the same time, we’re working on it.”
“Yes, it’s one of, if not the most important shot that we have, because it can give you so many good things,” he added.
Jannik Sinner’s serving difficulties don’t seem to be good news for his rivals
It’s not exactly the kind of news Sinner’s rivals on the ATP Tour are hoping to hear.
The idea that Sinner still sees areas in which he can improve, especially given everything he’s already accomplished, is not comforting to anyone trying to catch up.
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He’s only 24 years old and there’s still plenty of time for him to continue learning and correct any weaknesses he might have, even if there aren’t many in his game right now.
In the shorter term, it was only his first game of the season. Any signs of rust should fade as he gets more matches under his belt in Melbourne.
What’s interesting is that the current ATP statistics don’t really support the need for major changes. Sinner is already ranked among the top leaders in the service.
And that’s not all: he also leads the way in return and pressure situations, demonstrating what a complete player he has become.
